Apricot Press

There are days now when I am swimming not sinking
when I think, Yes! I have finally understood how 
all of this messy mum-life is supposed to work.
But then… you change again; 
you want Paw Patrol at breakfast time,
and you are not willing to negotiate. 
So, there are battles and tears, and the worst and best of us 
as I finally net you into painting a sea monster with me.
We call her Nessie, and she has two humps not three;
you insist on it.
I adore your passionate belief in yourself (if only I had it).
When you correct me as I am reading Tiddler,
I have to laugh.
You cannot even read yet! 
But you love stories with your whole heart –that we share. 
The whirlpool of our weeks spins faster and faster. 
When I go to put your ballet shoes on, your feet have grown 
again.
Their slim soles catch at my heart.
Wait for me.   
Let me – even for a little while – tread water.    

Photo credit: Elena Kloppenburg